Pictures from the Copdock Show, By Paul Spalding.
The cover picture was submitted by Geoff Cadman taken at Trapping Hill, North East of Lofthouse, North Yorkshire. Mike Roberts did the picture editing and graphical work. The SAM Observer November 2012
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Your Committee No Calls After 9pm Please
Officers Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Beverley Rudland David Rudland Judy Chittock
01473 401362 01473 401362 01473 737356
Committee Members Vice Chairman Membership Secretary Chief Observer Buddy Co-ordinator Buddy Co-ordinator Events Events Events Events Publicity Co-ordinator Publicity Webmaster Charity Liaison Committee Member Magazine Editor
Karl Hale Linda Barker Derek Barker Stephen Cook Vicky Smith John Sillett Tim Harrington Vincent Evans David Arbon Nigel Chittock Paul Spalding Mike Roberts Rob Day Nicky Clouter Felix Oliver
01359 241552 01473 327555 01473 327555 07711 650183 01255 830352 01473 219488 07725 914012 01473 890496 01473 684206 01473 737356 07879 844618 01473 718915 01449 737551 01473 252453 07712 649860
Senior Observers Mike Roberts Karl Hale Chris Smith Stuart Young
01473 718915 01359 241552 01206 251946 07931 350799
David Rudland Richard Toll Bob McGeady
01473 401362 01473 401363 01728 832595
Observers Rob Day Paul Newman Tony Chyc Paul Griffiths Leia Dowsing Ralph Fogg Lee Gage Nick Lambert Ruth Elmer AndrĂŠ Castle
01449 1449 737551 John Morgan 01473 711699 01473 620450 Stephen Milbourne 01473 462024 01206 231782 Simon Phillips 01473 830671 07734 557897 Paul Spalding 07879 844618 07841 699081 John Sillett 01473 219488 07986 859848 Martin Leach 01473 717713 07732 753623 John Van-Eyk 01449 722081 01394 271540 Steve Studd 07903 867000 07920 848284 8482 Luke Milbourne 01473 462024 07730 526674 Steve Gocher 01473 430643 Associate iate Co-ordinator, Co Susan Smith, 01206 251946
I.A.M. Examiners Bob Gosden
01473 716873
The SAM Observer November 2012
Kevin Stark
01473 310504
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Contents Picture from Copdock bike show by Paul Spalding Committee Chairman’s Chat by Beverley Rudland IAM Passes New members Membership Fees Important Notice by Judy Chittock SAM Christmas Party by Committee Christmas Menu by Committee An Observers Lot by Karl Hale The Wave by Tom Ruttan Air Ambulance Ride by Paul Jocelyn-Brown For Sale by Reg Balmford October’s Chip Run Pictures December’s Breakfast Ride by John Sillett Social Ride Roast Duck Who Do You Think by Steve Cook SAM Holidays by Sara Hale MX 2012 by André Castle Publicity Page by Paul Spalding Editorial by Editor Advertise Here by Committee Members Information by Mike Roberts SAM Dates for Diary Help By Editor Other Dates for Diary Ely Breakfast Run Pictures by Paul Jocelyn-Brown Our Venue
2 3 5 7 7 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 20 21 22 23 25 27 30 31 34 35 36 37 37 39 40
Disclaimer The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view that free expression promotes discussion and interests.
Next Issue Closing date for copy – Friday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB memory stick (which will be returned) or even hand-written, not a problem. The Editor reserves the right to edit, amend or omit as he feels fit. The SAM Observer November 2012
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WEBSITE ADDRESS http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com SAM is a registered Charity ~ No. 1067800 All Official Correspondence to: David Rudland, 36 Sherborne Avenue, Ipswich, IP4 3DR
Chairman’s Chat Dear Reader, Welcome to the November edition of our SAM magazine. I thought I had the subject for this month’s Chairman’s chat well and truly sorted as I was rather looking forward to sharing with you a couple of highly entertaining stories from our recent motorcycling weekends away. Now I would be exaggerating if I said that the stories have been banned but I think it’s fair to say that David asked me to reconsider whether the stories would be of any interest to our readers. If I’m honest, I still think they would be, but I guess David has a point in so much as you most probably had to be there to truly appreciate the moment. So sadly, the stories have been relegated to the recycle bin along with some other inspired articles that haven’t passed David’s cautious eye and I’m left wondering what I can chat about and wishing you could have been there to share the moment. Just as I was giving up hope of finding something to talk about I received an email from Sarah Hale explaining that, following some feedback from SAM members, she was trying to set up a section on the SAM website in which members could pass on their recommendations for holiday accommodation both in the UK and abroad. I think this is a brilliant idea and it would certainly mean that whilst we can’t all go on holiday together, we could all benefit from the research and knowledge that other members have so painstakingly put together for their own trips. So in the very near future David and I will be visiting the website to add some of our favourite destinations and I’d urge you to do the same. The SAM Observer November 2012
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With all the reminiscing about our recent trips David and I have ended up talking ourselves in to planning a SAM trip for next year or at least considering it, depending on how many people are interested. So I thought I’d take the opportunity of mentioning it now. It would be a 2 week trip, most probably August/ September time, heading for Poland to visit Auschwitz, via Prague in the Czech Republic and calling at the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then homeward bound through Austria visiting Vienna and taking in as many of the glorious Austrian passes as possible. Obviously visiting many other places en route but this is just the gist of our plans and needless to say we’d be covering a good number of miles most days. If this sounds of interest to you please drop me a line at beverley_rudland@yahoo.co.uk or give me a call on 01473 401362. I hope to see you at the November group night when our guest speaker will be the chap from Cam-One action cameras who will be talking to us about bikemounted video cameras and then, looking forward to December, I hope you’ll be joining us for the Christmas meal on December 11th. Further details on page 9 Until next time, my very best wishes.
The SAM Observer November 2012
Beverley
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New Associate Members A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members: Dean Dredge Trevor Fisk Jill Miell Christine Walker Andrew Race James Brown Buster Bentman Nick Coady Julian Harvey Alan Howard Terry Johnson If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and he will put your name in the next issue
IAM Test Passes Congratulations to the members who have passed their Advanced test this month. Graham Catchpole Chris Miles Richard Howard Stephen Faulkner
his Observers were his Observer was his Observer was his Observer was
Chris Jackson & Derek Barker Paul Newman John van Eyk John Morgan
Membership Fees for 2012 Full Member £20.00
Joint Full Members £23.00
Associate £139 - Skill for Life. Includes the current issue of “How to be a Better Rider” and your IAM Test fee for new members. Expenses to Observer for observed rides is £10.00 Any queries please email
Linda Barker at linda.barker@btinternet.com Judy Chittock at judy.chittock@btinternet.com The SAM Observer November 2012
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IMPORTANT NOTICE HMRC CHANGE TO GIFT AID DECLARATION FORM The HMRC has changed the Gift Aid declaration form. From the 1st of January, 2013 all members need to changeover and submit the new form to SAM to enable the club to receive Gift Aid on your subs. Gift Aid is a big income to SAM and brings in hundreds of pounds to the club every year. SAM receives 25p in every ÂŁ1 of subs paid to the club. Gift Aid received this year for 2011 subs totalled ÂŁ1023.46. There are three tick boxes to complete on the form and for SAM to get maximum revenue all boxes need to be completed but only if you agree with the HMRC statement on the declaration. The link to the new form on the SAM website can be downloaded at http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/renew Blank forms will also be available at Group nights. We are always looking to add members to the Gift Aid list to get more income for SAM so if you would like to join please complete a form. You just need to remember if you want to cancel the declaration, change your address or no longer pay tax to inform the treasurer or membership secretary of your changes. If you have any questions please contact judy.chittock@btinternet.com or linda.barker@btinternet.com Please give your completed forms to Judy Chittock or Linda Barker at Group night or post to:Judy Chittock 2 Davey Lane, Charsfield Woodbridge Suffolk IP13 7QG
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The Chairman and committee of the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist cordially invite all members and guests to the Christmas party
Book now to save disappointment 3 course meal ÂŁ 15.95 pp Tickets available from John Sillett The SAM Observer November 2012
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Menu Traditional Christmas option:~ Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup, Thyme foam and Porcini dust. followed by
Suffolk Free Range Turkey breast and slow braised leg with Sage stuffing, Goose fat roasties and Cranberry confit. followed by
Homemade Christmas pudding with Brandy Anglaise.
Don't want Turkey option:~ Homemade Chicken Liver Parfait with slow poached apricot chutney. followed by
Loch Duart Salmon Wellington, butter sauce, baby potatoes and soft herb mousse. followed by
Creme Brulee.
Vegetarian option:~ option:~ Warm salad of slow roasted tomatoes, goat's cheese fritter, compote of red onions & peppered rocket pesto. followed by
Hot pot of marinated and wild mushrooms, white bean, spinach and barbers cheddar gratin. followed by
Sticky toffee and ginger pudding with vanilla ice cream.
As previously mentioned the cost is ÂŁ15.95. per person Crackers and 'Novelties' are included. The SAM Observer November 2012
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An observer's lot The Law of Averages From the outside being an observer seems glitzy and glamorous, you may think with the title of IAM observer that this would be an instant chat up line and we would have the opposite sex just eating out of our hand (or the same sex if you want to split hairs) 'I must stop inhaling those mushrooms'. We prance around on our metal steeds offering the soundest soundest of advice to our fellow motorcyclists, which in itself is a phenomenon as every associate has paid money to have their riding criticised. This doesn’t happen in the real world as having your riding technique pulled apart for most people is sacrilege sacrilege and an worthy of a punch onn the nose rather than 'OK I'll take that on board'. I remember a great little piece of advice I gave to someone in the group a few years ago, I know he won’t mind me imparting this as he did relay the story to everyone over dinner on the SAM trip to Normandy this September (Admittedly he was standing rosy cheeked holding his third or fourth large glass of wine at the time). To save any embarrassment I will just call him Tim. The SAM Observer November 2012
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I was conducting one of SAM Roadcraft theory nights, Tim a new faced associate with plenty of wit was in the class. I was explaining cornering and asked the question “ When is a bike at its most stable?” The reply I was expecting was “When it is travelling at a constant speed and in a straight line” However Tim gave the reply “When it's laying on its side” This caused a great deal of laughter (you needed to be there, these nights are a hoot) and it also put me off my stride thinking 'Hang on, I should be the one cracking the jokes'. This moment I mentally logged as I looked across the room at Tim who had a smiley face and an expression I interpreted as 'Yeh! I'm Pleased with myself for that one'. Regaining my composure I carried on to the end enduring the odd quip here and there on route. Some months later I had to conduct a Cross Check, we have no say in the matter as to who we check as it goes through the Susan Smith coordinator lotto before an allocation. This day I got Tim. I didn’t recognise him at first, but after the preamble chat and a few cheeky responses this guy suddenly became all too familiar and I remembered him from that theory night. The Cross Check was commenced and to be fair I was fairly impressed with his riding, not perfect as I don't believe in a perfect ride but certainly good enough to get a reasonable mark in the test. Now my Cross Checks last over an hour, this is just riding with no debrief stops so that I can assess concentration towards the end. My final little gift is to check a right turn at the top of Berners Street in Ipswich, a hill start with an immediate right turn. Well we reached this point and I was already thinking what Tim will be buying me when we get to Orwells, 'a Cappuccino or a Mocha' I hadn't quite decided when Tim attempted to set off in second gear rather than first. The result was predicted, the bike stalled and down it went with Tim duly following. It was the head of a junction and I could do nothing whilst on my bike so I rode it straight ahead and parked it off the carriageway. As I was walking back to help Tim floundering on the road a devilish thought suddenly came to me. I walked over to Tim, crouched down to him and said “THAT' THE MOST STABLE I'VE SEEN YOUR BIKE ALL DAY” Tim being a good sport took it on the chin (that's a good quality if you dish it out all the time) Laughed and we picked his bike up. He was not hurt physically although I suspect his pride had a bit of nursing back to health to be done and he just got back on his bike and rode. The SAM Observer November 2012
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Tim passed my Cross Check, as I mentioned there is no such thing as a perfect ride, I know this one could have gone a little more perfect, these things happen (although I suspect it is preferred in a more private setting and especially not when you are being assessed for an advanced test) but by the law of physics something with only two wheels is not stable unless it's laying on its side! By Karl
Hale
The Wave Sent in By Roy Clouter, Written by his friend. The bike's passenger seat swept up just enough that I could see over my father's shoulders. That seat was my throne. My dad and I travelled many back roads, searching for the ones we had never found before. Travelling these roads just to see where they went. Never in a rush. Just be home for supper. I remember wandering down a back road with my father, sitting on my throne watching the trees whiz by, feeling the rumble of our bike beneath us like a contented giant cat. A motorcycle came over a hill toward us and as it went by, my father threw up his gloved clutch hand and gave a little wave. The other biker waved back with the same friendly swing of his left wrist. I tapped my father on his shoulder, which was our signal that I wanted to say something. He cocked his helmeted ear back slightly while keeping his eyes ahead. I yelled, "Do we know him?" 'What?" he shouted. "You waved to him. Who was it?" "I don't know. Just another guy on a bike. So I waved." "How come?" "You just do. It's important." Later, when we had stopped for chocolate ice cream, I asked why it was important to wave to other bikers. My father tried to explain how the wave demonstrated comradeship and a mutual understanding of what it was to enjoy riding a motorcycle. He looked for the words to describe how almost all bikers The SAM Observer November 2012
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struggled with the same things like cold, rain, heat, car drivers who did not see them, but how riding remained an almost pure pleasure. I was young then and I am not sure that I really understood what he was trying to get across, but it was a beginning. Afterward, I always waved along with my father when we passed other bikers. I remember one cold October morning when the clouds were heavy and dark, giving us another clue that winter was riding in from just over the horizon. My father and I were warm inside our car as we headed to a friend's home. Rounding a comer, we saw a motorcycle parked on the shoulder of the road. Past the bike, we saw the rider walking through the ditch, scouring the long grasses crowned with a touch of frost. We pulled over and backed up to where the bike stood. I asked Dad, "Who's that?" "Don't know," he replied. "But he seems to have lost something. Maybe we can give him a hand." We left the car and wandered through the tall grass of the ditch to the biker. He said that he had been pulling on his gloves as he rode and he had lost one. The three of us spent some time combing the ditch, but all we found were two empty cans and a plastic water bottle. My father turned and headed back to our car and I followed him. He opened the trunk and threw the cans and the water bottle into a small cardboard box that we kept for garbage. He rummaged through various tools, oil containers and windshield washer fluid until he found an old crumpled pair of brown leather gloves. Dad straightened them out and handed them to me to hold. He continued looking until he located an old catalogue. I understood why my dad had grabbed the gloves. I had no idea what he was going to do with the catalogue. We headed back to the biker who was still walking the ditch. My dad said, "Here's some gloves for you. And I brought you a catalogue as well." "Thanks," he replied. I really appreciate it." He reached into his hip pocket and withdrew a worn black wallet. "Let me give you some money for the gloves," he said as he slid some bills out. "No thanks," my dad replied as I handed the rider the gloves. "They're old and not worth anything anyway." The biker smiled. "Thanks a lot." He pulled on the old gloves and then he unzipped his jacket. I watched as my father handed him the catalogue and the biker slipped it inside his coat. He jostled his jacket around to get the catalogue sitting high and centred under his coat and zipped it up. I remember nodding my head at The SAM Observer November 2012
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the time, finally making sense of why my dad had given him the catalogue. It would keep him a bit warmer. After wishing the biker well, my father and I left him warming up his bike. Two weeks later, the biker came to our home and returned my father's gloves. He had found our address on the catalogue. Neither my father nor the biker seemed to think that my father stopping at the side of the road for a stranger and giving him a pair of gloves, and that stranger making sure that the gloves were returned, were events at all out of the ordinary for people who rode motorcycles. For me, it was another subtle lesson. It was spring the next year when I was sitting high on my throne, watching the farm fields slip by when I saw two bikes coming towards us. As they rumbled past, both my father and I waved, but the other bikers kept their sunglasses locked straight ahead and did not acknowledge us. I remember thinking that they must have seen us because our waves were too obvious to miss. Why hadn't they waved back? I thought all bikers waved to one another. I patted my father on his shoulder and yelled, "How come they didn't wave to us?" "Don't know. Sometimes they don't." I remember feeling very puzzled. Why wouldn't someone wave back? Later that summer, I turned 12 and learned how to ride a bike with a clutch. I spent many afternoons on a country laneway beside our home, kicking and kicking to start my father's '55 BSA. When it would finally sputter to a start, my concentration would grow to a sharp focus as I tried to let out the clutch slowly while marrying it with just enough throttle to bring me to a smooth takeoff. More often, I lurched and stumbled forward while trying to keep the front wheel straight and remember to pick my feet up. A few feet farther down the lane, I would sigh and begin kicking again. A couple of years later, my older brother began road racing, and I became a racetrack rat. We spent many weekends wandering to several tracks in OntarioHarewood, Mosport and eventually Shannon Ville. These were the early years of two-stroke domination, of Kawasaki green and 750 two-stroke triples, of Yvon Duhamel's cat-and-mouse games and the artistry of Steve Baker. Eventually, I started to pursue interests other than the race track. I got my motorcycle licence and began wandering the back roads on my own. I found myself stopping along side roads if I saw a rider sitting alone, just checking to see if I could be of help. And I continued to wave to each biker I saw. The SAM Observer November 2012
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But I remained confused as to why some riders never waved back. It left me with almost a feeling of rejection, as if I were reaching to shake someone's hand but they kept their arm hanging by their side. I began to canvass my friends about waving. I talked with people I met at bike events, asking what they thought. Most of the riders told me they waved to other motorcyclists and often initiated the friendly air handshake as they passed one another. I did meet some riders, though, who told me that they did not wave to other riders because they felt that they were different from other bikers. They felt that they were "a breed apart." One guy told me in colourful language that he did not "wave to no wusses.'' He went on to say that his kind of bikers were tough, independent, and they did not require or want the help of anyone, whether they rode a bike or not. I suspected that there were some people who bought a bike because they wanted to purchase an image of being tougher, more independent, a notputting-up-with-anyone's-crap kind of person, but I did not think that this was typical of most riders. People buy bikes for different reasons. Some will be quick to tell you what make it is, how much they paid for it, or how fast it will go. Brand loyalty is going to be strong for some people whether they have a Harley, Ford, Sony, Nike or whatever. Some people want to buy an image and try to purchase another person's perception of them. But it can't be done. They hope that it can, but it can't. Still, there is a group of people who ride bikes who truly are a "breed apart." They appreciate both the engineering and the artistry in the machines they ride. Their bikes become part of who they are and how they define themselves to themselves alone. They don't care what other people think. They don't care if anyone knows how much they paid for their bike or how fast it will go. The bike means something to them that nothing else does. They ride for themselves and not for anyone else. They don't care whether anyone knows they have a bike. They may not be able to find words to describe what it means to ride, but they still know. They might not be able to explain what it means to feel the smooth acceleration and the strength beneath them. But they understand. These are the riders who park their bikes, begin to walk away and then stop. They turn and took back. They see something when they look at their bikes that you might not. Something more complex, something that is almost secret, The SAM Observer November 2012
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sensed rather than known. They see their passion. They see a part of themselves. These are the riders who understand why they wave to other motorcyclists. They savour the wave. It symbolizes the connection between riders, and if they saw you and your bike on the side of the road, they would stop to help and might not ask your name. They understand what you are up against every time you take your bike on the road-the drivers that do not see you, the ones that cut you off or tailgate you, the potholes that hide in wait. The rain. The cold. I have been shivering and sweating on a bike for more than 40 years. Most of the riders that pass give me a supportive wave. I love it when I see a younger rider on a "crotch rocket" scream past me and wave. New riders carrying on traditions. And I will continue in my attempts to get every biker just a little closer to one another with a simple wave of my gloved clutch hand. And if they do not wave back when I extend my hand into the breeze as I pass them, I will smile a little more. They may be a little mistaken about just who is a "breed apart." By Tom
Ruttan
For Sale His and Hers Motorcycle gear. Both sets are made up of the following Akito SIERRA Motorcycle Jacket Sand/Black/Anthracite - Missing the waterproof lining Akito DESERT-EVO Motorcycle Pant Anthracite/Black - With waterproof lining Sizes are given inside as: 1 x Jacket - Medium (38-40 96-101), 1 x Jacket Large (40-42 101-106) and both sets of trousers as Medium (30 76). Only used a few times and never involved in a slide or accident. ÂŁ120.00 per set or ÂŁ210.00 for both Reg Balmforth 07718 781238 The SAM Observer November 2012
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October’s Chip run to Barrow
Pictures Taken on the October’s Barrow chip run. The SAM Observer November 2012
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December’s BREAKFAST RUN 2ND DECEMBER 2012 Pier CafÊ Southwold Tel: 01502 722105 Ride Coordinator. Nigel Chittock 01473 737356 Meet Beacon Hill Services 9.30 for 9.45 start Take 1st exit at Roundabout to A140 At cross roads with A1120 Turn Right Continue on A1120 to Peasenhall Just past Whincops Garage Turn Left on to Mill Hill At junction with B1117, Turn Right to Halesworth Follow main road through Halesworth at 3rd Roundabout Take 3rd exit B1123 continue through Holton & Blyford At junction with A145 Turn Right Turn Left on to A12 then Turn Right on to A1095 Southwold At mini Roundabout take 1st exit. Stop when you see the sea.
Please check the SAM Calendar and SAM Forum on-line for last minute changes/cancellations. On the Forum you will also find the routes as text, route cards, and on Google Maps / Streetview, along with a photo of the destination, so you can familiarise yourself with the route before the day.
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Social Rides Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the vehicle at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group activities and that the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot and do not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage to vehicle occurring in the course of any rally or other event organised by the Group. Any member attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own risk and must maintain their own insurance to cover any said injury to person or damage to vehicle and must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road tax, insurance and MOT certificate (if applicable). Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committee’s guidelines as follows: You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map / the route If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine. Be responsible for your own safety Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time. Have a FULL tank of fuel No more than 5 in a group.
FOR YOUR MOTORCYCLE TYRES
AUTOFIT(Ipswich) Ltd OUT FOR A SCRATCH OR A LONG DISTANCE TOUR HAVE A WORD WITH ADRIAN “GOOD ADVICE FOR SURE” KEEN PRICES, HELPFUL ADVICE… Autofit (Ipswich) Ltd 8-10 Britannia Rd., IPSWICH, IP4 4PE Tel: 01473 723325 Fax: 01473 274966 The SAM Observer November 2012
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Was talk of Duck for Supper?
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Who do you think you are? Steve Cook Occupation, Semi- retired, mental health nurse. Been a member of SAM since 2009..., Best thing about belonging to SAM. The people and the support given to each other (and the banter) First bike ridden and when Honda 90 1971 broke it didn’t realise you need to check if there was any oil in it. Current bike(s) Triumph Sprint GT, Suzuki DL 650 GT. Best bike ever ridden Sprint GT. Worst bike ever ridden Vespa scooter. Favourite road, (home & abroad) Ixworth to Thetford. Calais coast road. Favourite drink, food, TV show etc Coffee, curry, anything sci fi Hobbies Archery, guitar, grandchildren. If you could change one law, what would it be? If we can’t have the ultimate penalty for murder then life sentences should be without remission. Person you admire most? My father, he never complained about the circumstances he endured in the war and afterwards. The SAM Observer November 2012
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Any ambitions still to achieve on a bike? Tour Canada with my cousin. What is the silliest bike-related thing you've ever done? Not put the side stand down properly on a Bandit and having the neighbours watch me letting it down ‘slowly’ after which I had to get my son to help me pick it up!. Where would you like to retire to, if you could go tomorrow? Canada. SuperMoto or WSB? WSB Valentio Rossi or Barry Sheene? Rossi but for me Guy Martin epitomises all that a racer should be. Chips or Bike Cops? Bike cops/emergency bikers On road or Off road? Did the off road when younger, stick to the road thanks. Touring or Track days? Touring Classic or Modern?. Modern we tend to view ‘classics’ with rose tinted spectacles forgetting how bad they were compared to modern machines. Open faced or Full faced? Full/flip front depending on the bike. Leathers or textile? Definitely leathers V twin or Flat 4. V twin Did you like the program kick start Can’t remember seeing it. Not so quick fire round..... Most embarrassing bike drop See above. The SAM Observer November 2012
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Most miserable journey on a motorcycle, Going to work at St Clements from Chantry in the 70’s on a TS125 in the snow at 6 in the morning. All the layers in the world couldn’t get me warm. Any "I don't believe I just did that" moments during home maintenance? When young, bypassing the in line fuse and wondering why I ended up with no lights. Longest distance pushing a motorcycle About 1 mile having run out of fuel on the way to working a night shift. Most pointless motorcycling accessory ever bought? New horn because it was blue and matched the bike colour then found it didn’t work. Worst motorcycle related habit ‘Collecting’ crash helmets Favourite animal Guinea pigs
SAM HOLIDAYS Whilst recently away on one of the SAM’s organised trips to Normandy a general discussion was had by some members (who generally organise holidays) about the lack of recent SAM holidays. I know it has been mentioned by some people in the group that one of the reasons they joined was because of the variety of organised trips. So I decided having helped to organise some myself that I would try and inspire other members in the group to plan future holidays as unfortunately there is no 'holiday planner' on the committee. So most trips you would have seen in our photo gallery, magazine or received emails about are organised by people like you! As with most things it generally falls to the same people to organise every year otherwise no holidays would take place. Organising a trip away can be as easy or as difficult as you like. My top tips are... The SAM Observer November 2012
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Plan the holiday around you the organiser and let everyone else fit in with you! Start off small with a long weekend away in the UK before progressing to travelling over-sea’s with the added complications of organising ferries or the Eurotunnel (unless you fancy a challenge straight away!). Decide what you want to do, is it going to be a purely biking holiday taking in enjoyable sights and roads or do you wish to visit the local attractions? If it is riding the roads get others who are going on the trip to plan a route so it does not all fall down to you to keep people entertained throughout. Again if visiting local attractions ask others to help out with routes, searching for opening/closing times etc. Research the area on the web or ask people who have been in the same area for suitable places to stay (B&B's/guest houses/hotels) with parking facilities and restaurants/pubs nearby or on site. Once you have located an ideal venue ask someone on the Committee to email all members, place a topic on the SAM forum or write a piece for the magazine to advertise your trip. I would also suggest that you inform members how many rooms are available. Otherwise if you gain interest first it can be tricky and quite stressful to find venues that will accommodate such large numbers! Also have it on a first come and pay basis (as sometimes you can be let down). There are many other tips like, organise with a friend or member if you feel it is too much on your own, meeting up with members beforehand to discuss holiday if needed, taking members contact details in case you get lost on the holiday, group riding briefings etc. I have posted a topic on the SAM forum of places to stay that we have already tried and tested that are biker friendly and perhaps people can add to the list. http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/places The hard work of researching a venue has been completed so your first organised holiday can be relatively easy. I have also found the following websites of use... http://ww.bike-stay.net http://ww.thebikerguide.co.uk The SAM Observer November 2012
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I am sure that those of us who have organised trips before would be only too pleased to offer advice if needed as I appreciate it can be a daunting prospect. Yes, it can be time consuming and stressful at times, but when you have the evening meals and see lots of happy, smiling faces with loads of banter thrown in it makes it all worthwhile. So what are you waiting for, give it a go and let's see more trips for 2013 and beyond!
Sara Hale
MX (Bull shit and gears) 2012
I woke in the early hours of Saturday morning to the sound of rain outside. After last years ‘desert’ riding conditions it sounded as if this year’s event was going to be a bit different, before falling back asleep. Having never ridden in mud, when I got up I started to review my assessment for the day….spare clothes in case I end up soaked, should I take water-proofs? I guess this event will go on whatever the conditions so I packed the car (advice from Bob last year, don’t try and ride back) and proceeded to Belstead. By the time I arrived the sun was breaking through the early morning mist and a good day was promised in the early autumn sun.
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Around 18 members had booked in for the day and as we checked in the usual nervous questions began ‘have you done this before’ ‘how do you put this on’? Geoff Mayes our host and organiser of the MX Tryout day soon had every-one togged up and ran through the briefing for the day. Geoff briefed us the safety requirements with some advice on overtaking, jumping and smooth throttle control etc. before letting the group loose on the track. The track was soggy to start with and remained wet in some shady areas but by mid-afternoon the track was ‘perfect’ with excellent soft going without being sprayed with mud from the other bikes. We had 6 bikes out, two 2 stroke 250’s and 4 350 4 strokes. All very capable, the two strokes being the lighter bike and more challenging to ride in the conditions unless you can confidently ride them hitting the power band for ‘maximum’ thrill. After last year I was determined to be a lot more controlled and concentrate on improving my approach speed and control. I found myself doing a running commentary trying to get the approach speed just right into the turns so I didn’t loose too much speed. In mud apparently the best advice is to go quickly and keep moving (well that’s what we were told!). Using the bikes engine breaking in the right gear means you’re ready for the exit and away you go. Adopting a relaxed position, allowing the bike to correct itself and sitting forward on the bike all play a part and when it all goes right you can really see the relationship with our ‘road riding skills’. Over-taking is a bit of an art and to overtake you need to be able to go faster than the bike in front, obvious you’d have thought. But as demonstrated by Bob Mcgeady you can get in a tangle, I happened to photograph this particular event when three bikes all ended up in heap with riders desperately trying to recover their bike from the mud…woops. The day passed with the usual running repairs, punctures and minor damage quickly sorted out by Geoff and his team. No major dramas on the day, but The SAM Observer November 2012
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after experiencing the pain ‘post’ riding day last year, I was under no illusion that I was going to ‘hurt’ for the next few days. But hey that’s all part of the fun! No pain no gain they say! Is it worth the risk? Well the ‘off road’ skills we practice on these days all enhance our ability on the road, enabling us to ride confidently with some idea of what a bike will do if we ever find ourselves loosing traction from either or both wheels. If you attended the day and took photographs, can you please forward them on a CD (preferably in full size format) I will try and compile a CD for those attending to look through if they wish. Bring them to a club event or send them onto. Andre Castle, 13 Carlton Rd, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1EP. I’m sure on behalf of all the members who attended I’d like to thank Bob for organising this event and to Geoff Mayes and his team for all their efforts in making this a safe and enjoyable ‘experience’ and look forward to another off road club event next year.
André Castle
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Publicity Page The End of Another Year Traditionally, for the SAM Publicity Team, the Copdock Bike Show is the last on our publicity calendar. This year was probably the best response to date for interest on the stand. Many members helped throughout the day and below is a list of members that helped out, please forgive me if I have missed any names: Ray Middleditch, Mark Hardy, Andre Castle, Sam Watkins, Derek Barker, Nigel Chittock, Pam Woodmore, Colin Webb, Steve Cook, Martin Drury, Vicky Smith, Judy Chittock and Trevor Read. The stand looked really good and attracted a great deal of interest due to the diverse selection of Bikes shown. Ray Middleditch Mark Hardy Andre Castle Sam Watkins Derek Barker Nigel Chittock Paul Spalding
Harley Soft tail Custom Aprilia Tuono V4 APRC KTM 990 Adventure Suzuki Hayabusa Triumph Explorer Triumph Sprint ST1050 Triumph Tiger 1050
It's always difficult to quantify the success of any publicity event but we certainly spoke to a lot of interested people from all groups of biking. Many took leaflets and DVD's away for consideration and I am confident that we will hear from some of them in the near future. As a direct result of the Copdock show I can confirm however, that we do have 7 new associates so well done everyone that helped. Pictures are on page 2. A special mention has to go out for the many that helped with the bike parking at the show. Often a forgotten part of "spreading the word" these members do what is a hectic and difficult job dealing with the public. So that's about it for this year, lots more to do next year so if you have some spare time and feel like lending a hand, please get in touch.
Nigel Chittock 01473 737356
Paul Spalding 07879 844618
Steve Cook 07711 650183
prs@prspartnership.co.uk
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November’s Editorial 2012 By the time you get this the clocks would have gone back, and a large dose of SAD would have set in, longing for the Sun to return, having said that there is nothing finer than a frosty day with clear skies and full sun. I went on the Breakfast Run to Ely on the 7th of October. The run started at Tesco’s in Stowmarket and as it was whizzing past my door. I decided to stand on the side of the road to take a few pictures as the groups whizzed past. Got the bike out and it was think fog… oh dear, so I waited by the side of the Walsham-le-Willows road camera at the ready. Standing there, I could see about 100 meters before the fog enveloped everything, but I could hear for miles. First group came though and I got a few pictures. Then had to wait a bit for the next group. Which had Karl leading and Mike behind. I know that Mike likes to be the last bike to leave and because of the fog, I joined that group as I thought this was the last group. Turned out that over 30 had turned up and Karl was the Third group. The Walsham road is a road I travel regularly so know it very well so pushed on a wee bit faster than I should have and caught them up the other side of Walsham, stuck behind a car who was driving at the neck braking speed of 40…but with the fog we couldn’t see round it. The rest for the trip went very smoothly and we made good progress. Travelling the Bury to Mildenhall road at 40 as we where again caught behind a horsebox who I think was belching black smoke which was keeping the fog down. We arrived in Ely and the fog had lifted by now, had the usual problem of parking the bikes. Breakfasts arrived and conversations flowed, one topic as motorcycle parking in Bury, which led to “wouldn’t be a good idea to have revolving number plates” “and missiles in the panniers” “yes” piped a voice in the corner “get rid of that blasted horsebox” I left early as I had to get back to work, set the SatNav app on the phone and set off, Down the A10 to Milton, A14, Joined the M11 south, A10 to Royston A505 west to join the A1(M) south coming off at just after Welwyn Garden City where I found the Clients House. Measured up his over sites for his Cartlodge. The SAM Observer November 2012
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On my return I stopped in the lane to munch a sandwich, and reset the SatNav to where I used to live when I was first hatched, I was getting low on petrol and just off the A1(M) is a Tesco’s so divide in there to collect fuel. Unfortunately it appeared that the whole of Welwyn had the same idea so had to wait for ages. One poor chap had fried his starter motor and the thing wouldn’t do anything at all, and out of everyone milling around came rushing up to me asking if I was a mechanic… Is my bike that Tatty…. Don’t answer. Joined the A414 heading to Hertford which then rejoins the A10 heading North-east to Puckeridge, joined the B1368 and arriving in the centre of Furneux Pelham. I haven’t been back there since I left when I was 6, but remembered the road and know to turn left, round the bends up the hill and first left in to the drive… Early 60’s Father had finished agricultural collage and got a job on a farm at Furneux Pelham. With the job came a cottage to live, it had running water and telephone but no electricity, so every evening the generator had to be fired up. Only thing was by the sounds of it if the iron and a light was on then the TV wouldn’t work. It’s funny what we do remember, Riding down the drive way I passed the field where we had cycled up from the cottage with tea and sandwich for father and watched him combining, in an open cab combine which had a 4m cutter bar. Now the bigger machine have 24m cutter bars and they are able to move them sideways so that they can cut round the corners He still laughs now about a story of the farm manager telling him to watch out for the telegraph pole in the middle of the field. Driving one behind the other as the farm had two of the latest machines. As they got closed to the said pole the manager stood up and started “hollering” about watching out for this pole over the noise of the combines,…. CRUNCH… Another story, Father as walking though the yard with his shotgun after Rabbits, which where epidemic at the time, The old farm hand made a comment about not being able to hit the barn door even if he stood inside the barn, then wiped his cap off and through it in the air like a Frisbee, BANG BANG, a few bits of cloth floated down like autumn leaves… Those were the days. I still remember the drive, Trees, the wood, and watching clouds of starlings flying as one, which has become a rare treat if you do see them. The old The SAM Observer November 2012
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cottage has now changed with multiple extensions. No-one was home so didn’t see inside. Back to the road and down the hill to my old primary school, which had been converted into a house, next door a new school had been built which was huge. The Catholic Church was a converted hay barn, which was on stilts, Sundays we would, as a family go there, up some rickety wood stairs, I seem to remember there was a tie-beam which you had to duck underneath to get to the front. From Furneux Pelham I followed the road to the B1368 at Hare Street, Turned one corner and the road was flooded, “now what”? Do I turn round or splash my way through, ? So decided the latter was easiest. Halfway through water was over lapping my boots. Maybe not such a good idea… Bit more revs and swam my way out the other side. Had an uneventful journey home, A10 A14 and back at 5pm. Another 200 miles on the clock. Few pictures of the Chip run to Barrow are on page ,38
Thank you
to all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. Don’t forget to send in your articles.
Felix...
Safe Riding
Editor
Bowman’s Barn, Back Street, Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH. Tel: 07712649860 editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Closing date for copy Friday after club night If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or send me an email. I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have another great magazine to read. The SAM Observer November 2012
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Advertise here
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£25 for 1 /8 page Contact: Felix
07712649860
Sam.editor@btinternet.com
The SAM Observer November 2012
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MEMBER INFORMATION A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our website. Below are some key links members will find useful. CONTACTS Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs so you can recognise everyone. http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs CALENDAR Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your smartphone. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM motorcycle test. Contact: Derek Barker http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart CARING SAM Our customer service & complaints procedures. http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care
Contact: Karl Hale
MOTORCYCLE DEXTERITY & CONTROL Dates and details of our slow riding events. Contact: Derek Barker Sponsored by Southwold Pier 01502 722105 www.southwoldpier.co.uk http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/dext DISCOUNT SCHEME Save your membership fee, and more, by using these retailers who give a discount to SAM members. Contact: Nigel Chittock http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc ADVERTS Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our online adverts section. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads The SAM Observer November 2012
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SHOPS T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two online shops. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop FORUM All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related. Have a read, and then register to join in. Contact: Mike Roberts http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum
SAM Events for your Diary November 2012 Saturday 17th
M/C Dexterity & Control. Sidegate Primary School, Ipswich. 09:00 – 13:00
Tuesday 20th
SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by guest speaker Colin from Cam-One action cameras. http://www.camonetec.com
Thursday 22nd
Theory Evening. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. Overtaking
December 2012 Sunday 2th
Breakfast Run. Southwold Pier, UK, More details page 20
Tuesday 11th
Christmas Party, See advert on page 9. Book now.
January 2013
Sunday 6th
Breakfast Run. TBA
Tuesday 15th
SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by Quiz with Mike Roberts & Derek Barker
Thursday 17th
Theory Evening. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30.
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Note from Editor Please check the SAM Calendar & Forum for further details and for any changes after going to press
Wanted We are coming up to the end of the year, Bikes are going to bed, winter is just around the corner and we have had a few flakes of snow. The AGM is in February and this is your chance to join the committee, Help out with forthcoming events and become involved with your favourite club As editor I need help‌ This is where the membership come in and I have been bleating about it before and reading past magazines seems to be the editors woes. Is that to keep the magazine going, which in turn means that you have every month your favourite magazine to read, I need articles. In addition, I would like to know about events that are around Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, Many a time I have seen a show and thought it should have been put in the magazine if I had known about it. So over to you, send me details of events, Articles. You can contact me via Mobile, Text, Facebook, Email, or Club night were I normally bring the club laptop so I can plug in your memory stick and download your article.
Other Events that you might want to put in your Diary January 2013 Sat 5th ~Sun 6th
The Carol Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic. Nottinghamshire. NG24 2NY. www.classicbikeshows.com
March 2013 Sat 16th Sun 17th
Manchester Bike Show. M41 7TB. www.manchesterbikeshow.com
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The SAM Observer November 2012
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Ely Breakfast Run in the Fog
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